Episode 12 – Philippians Chapter 1:1-11

The time has FINALLY come and we are excited to kick off our new series on Philippians! Our hope from our last challenge week is that by this point, you have already read through the book several times. Today, Annabel, Michelle, and Grizz are going to be discussing Chapter 1: 1-11.

Verse 1 says “Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus…” It is significant that Paul would addresses himself as a servant as he only starts off one other of his letters throughout the Epistles as a servant: the book of Romans.

Paul mainly introduces himself as an Apostle because he is usually addressing the churches as an authoritative figure.

The book of Philippians is written as a letter of encouragement and exhortation.

“Servant” actually means “bondservant” which in Greek is “Doulos” which means true slaves, or in this case, true servants of God. Also referenced in 2:4 and 2:7. We will see the theme of humility throughout the book of Philippians.

Verse 3 says, “I thank my God in all remembrance of you…” we recognize the significance of this verse when we understand its background.

Paul played a big role in the beginning formation of the church of Philippi. You can read about its start in Acts 16:11-34.

Lydia: A woman, a seller of purple goods; the Lord opens her heart to hear what was said by Paul.

A slave girl: Had a spirit of divination; being exploited by the people who enslaved her; Paul casts out the spirit that had been inside her.

Prison guard: Jailer who oversaw Paul and Silas while in jail; almost killed himself when he assumed Paul and Silas had escaped prison after earthquake throws open gates; believes in the Lord Jesus after this encounter.

We see three individuals with three individual stories who all have one thing in common: they all come to know Jesus and surrender their lives to Him.

The church of Philippi have been partners with Paul in the Gospel in their believing and sharing the Gospel, but they also financially supported Paul in his ministry as Philippi had a successful economy.

Do we ever compare testimonies to other Christians? One thing we see in the book of Philippians is such diversity in its people and how they came to know Him. It doesn’t matter if you came to know Christ when you were nine or fourty-five, we all have the same story. That story is that we were dead, and then we were brought to life by Jesus.

Verse 6 says, “And I am sure of this that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

Sanctification is a slow and steady process. Being a Christian does not mean you will never sin again, but in understanding what Jesus did, we now want to turn and run away from our sin.

Paul prays for the church of Philippi in verses 9-11. Paul prays that the church would grow in their love for God and each other as they grow in knowledge and discernment.

We can know and love the Lord more through His word, but it also helps us to discern what is true. How can we know what the Lord wants from us if we do not know what He tells us through His Word?

Paul prays that the Philippians can know what is true so they can walk in it and so that they would not sin. He prays that they would be “filled with the fruit of righteousness” and then he acknowledges that it is ONLY through Jesus that we can be righteous. Not through themselves, not through Paul, only through Jesus.

Our prayer is that as you continue to study the book of Philippians, you would grow in your knowledge and understanding of who Jesus is! Our hope is that your joy and your satisfaction comes from Him and Him alone.

Remember, share this episode with a friend, follow us on Instagram, reach out and let us know how we can be praying for you! We love you ladies.